For many couples experiencing infertility, there is now a flickering glimmer of hope with the recent advances in fertility treatments like IVF and ICSI. However, from the patients' point of view, it doesn't clear up the confusion against ICSI treatment, that is, "What is it, and how is it different from IVF?"
The procedure is referred to as an ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and it is a technique very close to IVF but is especially valuable for those couples suffering from male infertility e.g., low count, poor motility, and irregular shape of sperm. The article will guide you along the ICSI treatment process, advantages, success rates, and costs if you happen to be interested in embarking on this journey in the Indian setup.
What Is ICSI Treatment
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a means of injecting the matured egg directly with a healthy single sperm inside it under a specific microscope consenting the sperm to bypass any natural barriers it would have to face in order to reach and fertilize the egg.
The following reasons for recommending ICSI are in place rather largely with doctors:
- Low sperm count or poor quality sperm.
- Prior failed IVF attempts
- Unexplained infertility.
- When surgical retrieval of sperm is indicated (TESA, PESA)
Basically speaking, ICSI is about giving the sperm a shortcut to fertilization of the egg. It is thought to enhance the chances of a healthy embryo being produced.
ICSI Procedure Step by Step
- Ovarian Stimulation: The woman is given fertility injection medications to promote the development of multiple mature eggs in the body rather than a solitary mature egg, subject to monitoring through regular scans and blood tests.
- Egg Retrieval: The mature eggs are taken out from the ovaries in a simple procedure after the woman has been sedated.
- Sperm Collection & Selection: Specimen of semen is provided by the male counterpart. If needed, this sperm is surgically retrieved. Healthy sperm will thus be selected by the embryologist under high magnification.
- Fertilization by ICSI:Today, the advances in technology have gone so far beyond the poor old conventional ivf where embryos were cultured together with sperm. Instead, the embryologists will inject a single sperm directly into the egg. This guarantees a much higher fertilization rate.
- Development of embryos:The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured and observed for three to five days until they are ready.
- Embryo Transfer: One to two healthy embryos are transferred into the uterus. Implantation, if successful, will occur naturally and hence lead to pregnancy.
Benefits of ICSI Procedure
- Higher fertilization rates than IVF: a real boon for male infertility cases
- Applicable with very low sperm counts (Only one good sperm is enough)
- Helpful in unexplained infertility cases with standard IVF otherwise failing
- Higher chances on an IVF attempt that has failed
- Can use surgically retrieved sperm when there is no ejaculation.
ICSI Treatment Success Rates in India:
Success depends on age, egg, and sperm quality, and general health. On average:
- Under 35 years: 55-65% mature eggs fertilized per cycle on average
- 35-40 years: 40-50%
- Above 40 years: 25-30%
Compared with normal IVF, ICSI has imparted severely male-infertile couples a significantly higher chance of success.
ICSI Treatment Cost in India
ICSI costs about ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh for the average cycle in India. It includes:
Ovarian stimulation injections and monitoring
- Egg retrieval and sperm collection
- Laboratory costs ICSI procedure
- Embryo transfer
Know About Side Effects & Risks
Like IVF, ICSI is generally safe with the following possible increased risks:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: this is rare as a result of the fertility injections
- Multiple pregnancies, if more than one embryo is transferred
- Sometimes mild discomfort after egg retrieval
IVF and ICSI treatment in India has thrown open doors of human life to thousands of couples even in cases of severe infertility. Sperm injection directly into the egg works wonders in overcoming many barriers to natural fertilization.
If you're thinking of ICSI, get in touch with an expert fertility doctor. They will guide you about the success rates, costs, and if ICSI is your best solution. With the right people, miracles are born when science and hope join hands.
Book Your Appointment
